Mythological Allusions

Throughout Romeo and Juliet, many myths were referenced. This causes readers to wonder what is actually being referred to in the story. Go to this Power Point presentation to learn about several allusions mentioned in Romeo and Juliet.This wonderful slideshow explains many of the myths and how they fit into the story and context. Although not much information is available, the knowledge received by understanding these allusions helps facilitate a student's experience of Shakespeare. Also, Queen Mab was mentioned by Mercutio in one of his speeches. http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/romeoandjuliet/romeoqueenmab.html can supply the reader with some information, but not much has been recovered about Queen Mab. Further information was difficult to find on this subject.

Theme

In Romeo and Juliet, several themes reoccur. Even though the term "theme" is often used, it can still be confusing. It can be one of those words that you know, but do not truly understand. http://www.shakespeare-online.com/playanalysis/romeocommentary.html emphasizes the themes of light, time, and destiny. Through quotes and descriptions, the themes of Romeo and Juliet are more easily recognized. This clears up any discrepancy that could come up due to confusion about what a theme really is.

Character Analysis

After reading a long and heavily twisting story such as Romeo and Juliet, it may be appropriate for a student to analyze the main characters or just recap the descriptions of minor characters. It is easy to forget who is a Capulet and who is a Montague. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/Romeo-and-Juliet-Character-List.id-165,pageNum-3.html offers small descriptions of all the characters in Romeo and Juliet and detailed analyses of Romeo, Juliet, the Nurse, Mercutio, and Friar Laurence. Difficult quotes by the characters deeply examined are tackled and explained. Cliffs Notes also has the entire play and summaries of each scene. A biography of William Shakespeare can also be accessed.

Timeline

How well do you remember the order of events in Romeo and Juliet? How about testing yourself! http://www.quia.com/ is a website in which teachers can post assignments and helpful study activities for their students. http://www.quia.com/pp/8615.html is an activity posted to help students remember the order of events in Romeo and Juliet. Playing this game can help readers not only test their memory of the events, but also remember them.

Elizabethan Vocabulary

Having trouble understanding words classified as "Elizabethan"? Absolute Shakespeare Glossary has an extensive dictionary of Elizabethan terms commonly used in Shakespeare's works. Go to http://absoluteshakespeare.com/glossary/a.htm to access the ability to search unknown words or phrases in the search bar or by scrolling through the list. Absolute Shakespeare also offers many of Shakespeare's plays right on the website along with his sonnets, poems, and quotes. Summaries, essays, and links can also be accessed with the glossary.

Literary Terms

Throughout Romeo and Juliet, many literary terms are used that may confuse readers or cause them to wonder what they mean. http://www.dukeofdefinition.com/R&J_terms.pdf%20offers a list of vocabulary words and literary terms that can help readers understand the story. Examples are also given so that students not only can read the definition of the given terms, but also see how they are used in the text. Knowing and understanding the literary terms used by Shakespeare can clear up questions asked by readers for their own understanding or just for their pleasure. Whether it be understanding what a pun is in general or finding humor in a pun, this website will help students find pleasure in their reading.

Translation

"I am too sore enpiercèd with his shaft

To soar with his light feathers, and so bound,

I cannot bound a pitch above dull woe.

Under love’s heavy burden do I sink." (Shakespeare)

 

If you do not understand this, you are not alone. How about this:

 

"His arrow has pierced me too deeply, so I can’t fly high with his cheerful feathers. Because this wound keeps me down, I can’t leap any higher than my dull sadness. I sink under the heavy weight of love." (Crowther)

 

Does this translated section make more sense to you? Then it may help you to read Romeo and Juliet using No Fear Shakespeare. 

 

Usually teachers do not recommend sparknotes.com for reading. http://nfs.sparknotes.com/romeojuliet/, however, is a great website for students looking for help when reading any story by William Shakespeare. No Fear Shakespeare offers Romeo and Juliet entirely translated into words students can understand. This allows students to clear up confusions when reading difficult literature. No Fear Shakespeare facilitates the reader's experience and helps them to basically know what is occurring as they read. It is highly recommended for struggling students to use No Fear Shakespeare as they read Shakespearian literature.

Works Cited
Crowther, John, ed. “No Fear Romeo and Juliet.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2005. Web. 3 May 2011.